Chapter 2

I said, “Alice, I don’t really know you. When you get down to it, I don’t know much about Marilyn either. Joe, I know quite well. I like to think that I know myself pretty well, too.

“I know my limits and beliefs. Joe and Marilyn are pushing those limits for being in public and only knowing each other for a few hours. My parents taught me to go to church and my beliefs are formed by my faith. If you don’t like that, say so and we’ll part.” I paused for a second. Alice said nothing. I resumed. “Joe does not have my beliefs. He wouldn’t force Marilyn nor allow anyone else to force her but he won’t stop persons or slow them from doing unwise things. I would at least leave after expressing my displeasure. I know that’s old-fashioned but it works for me.

“Joe has always played the field and is sexually active. I don’t know about Marilyn but her history at my high school suggests she hasn’t been. I think the goings-on in that room are beyond anything she has ever done. She’s good looking but has been very aloof. This is different for her. Joe will let her play but will respect limitations.

“That moves me to you. What’s your stance for yourself and for others?”

Alice said, “I don’t think I would do what Marilyn is doing ... I don’t usually stop people from doing what they want to do. I won’t make them do or not do anything. My parents raised me to go to church and I have those beliefs and understand them. Jerry, I do like what I know about you. I do detect a certain distaste for Marilyn.”

“Yes, I’m afraid it’s there. In high school, Marilyn was very hard to have around because of her attitude toward everyone. I never asked her out and don’t intend to start now. She approached me to be a friend to her and I reluctantly agreed. Joe had never run into her former attitude though had heard rumors. We’ll see. I’m not sure her new manner of acting is much better.” I smiled a little grimly. “I guess that makes me something of a prude.”

Alice said, “You’re honest about how you feel. I would like to get to know you better. It seems that we share some beliefs. Now, I need to think on whether or not I should go talk to Marilyn and to what extent.” After a moment, she stood and walked toward the room with the pool table and Marilyn. Alice went on inside. I had followed her but waited at the door though would be seen when Marilyn turned to talk to Alice.

Alice said, “Marilyn, may I talk with you for a moment?”

She turned to face Alice. She saw me at the door and blushed. “Alice, what do you want?”

“Are you okay? You have a lot of spectators and they aren’t interested in your ability to play pool. Jerry agrees that we don’t want you to do something you’ll regret.”

Marilyn thought a moment and then blushed. “Thank you both for caring.” She looked over at Joe. “I’ve had enough pool. I’m leaving.” He shrugged as they left behind us. Alice and I continued on out and to the girls’ dorm. In the common room, we sat down on a love seat. Marilyn and Joe had followed us and sat together across from us on another one.

Marilyn looked at us. “Thank you, both of you, for caring enough to check on me. I appreciate it. Joe, you just let me expose my body. That’s not good.”

Joe said, “Marilyn, first, you weren’t showing anything that wasn’t clothed though your shorts are extremely tight. Second, you hadn’t been drinking and didn’t seem to be on any drugs. Yes, people were looking because you are quite attractive and wearing very tight and very short shorts. I don’t try to control people even for their own good.”

“Joe, even if I don’t object, you should be protective of me. That is, if we are to continue to be friends. I’m not used to social situations and will need help from someone I can trust. You need to decide if you want to be trusted.”

She looked at him hard. Joe squirmed but slowly nodded. He said, “I will help and will be trustworthy. I would like to be your friend.”

Marilyn said, “Thank you. Let’s watch some TV depending upon what’s on.”

Joe nodded. He stood and extended a hand to her. They left. It was just Alice and me. She said, “Where does that leave us, Jerry?”

“I guess we’re friends of Marilyn. I would like to think we’re friends of each other as well. I would like to see you after we get to our homes and later here after school really starts.”

She grinned, “That’s a lot of like.”

“I’ve enjoyed our talking and walking together. I would like to spend as much of tomorrow together as is possible. We could start by meeting for breakfast.” I smiled.

She grinned. “Are you the early bird and will I be a worm?”

“If I were a bird, you would make a delightful worm.” I smiled. She looked at me a bit curiously though no anger showed in her gaze.

We settled upon a time and went to our rooms for the night. By the time I got there, Joe was there and in bed. It only took me moments to get in bed after setting the alarm on my phone.

In the morning, I showered and shaved before dressing and leaving the room. Alice was walking on the path between the dorms. “Good morning, Alice. You truly are an early riser.”

“Good morning to you, Jerry. Let’s see if the cafeteria is serving yet. Maybe, they will at least have coffee.”

I smiled. “Works for me.”

She said, “Living on a farm all my life got me used to being up in the mornings. I have to admit that I’ve come to love the feeling of early morning.” We entered the cafeteria just as the coffee urns were being set in place. We took cups and served ourselves.

The person setting the big urns said, “Breakfast should be ready in about another five minutes.”

We both nodded and smiled at him. I said, “Thanks. That will be fine.” We went over away from the eventual line and sat down at a small table. We were the first ones in the room.

Alice said, “Today is mostly free. Do you have anything planned, Jerry?”

“I figured to roam the campus and get some exercise. I am supposed to meet with one of the football coaches. I was asked to ‘walk on’ for football. In addition to my scholastic scholarship, I have additional ones for baseball and track. I play third base and run decathlons.”

“Gee! Jerry, I thought I was doing well with Merit and volleyball scholarships. You’ve got this farm girl beat.”

“You’re doing well, Alice. Most don’t have any scholarships. What are your plans for today. I would like to spend it with you if that’s okay.”

Alice looked a little bit shocked but not unhappy. “Your earlier plans sounded good to me. It’s a big campus and I don’t know it yet. I’m used to the farm, our little town, and the one county high school.”

I smiled. “My situation is similar except that we live in town not having a farm. I agree that this is a big place.” I looked. “The line is open, let’s get some breakfast.”